Posters of prominent security analyst Audu Bulama Bukarti have flooded parts of Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State. The posters feature Bukarti's image alongside that of Governor Mai Mala Buni, and were spotted on public buildings and streetlight poles. The areas where the posters were seen include Maiduguri Road, Potiskum Road, and Gujba.
Several social media influencers have been calling on Bukarti to contest the governorship seat in the 2027 general elections. One of these influencers, Maikudi Gashua, believes it would be a great loss if Yobe State does not tap into Bukarti's exposure and knowledge. However, Bukarti has yet to make a formal declaration regarding the posters.
The Managing Director of Yobe State Microfinance Bank, Professor Shareef Almuhajir, expressed concern over the development. Almuhajir noted that Bukarti is not a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which means he cannot be linked with any aspiration under the party's banner.
Yobe State's Karasuwa Local Government Area, where Bukarti hails from, has not produced a governor or deputy governor since the return to democracy in 1999. Other aspirants from the region reportedly eyeing the governorship seat include former Senate President Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, Secretary to the State Government Baba Malam Wali, and Federal Character Commissioner representing Yobe State, Hon. Jibrin Maigari.
The sudden appearance of Bukarti's posters in Damaturu raises questions about his intentions and whether he is indeed planning to contest the governorship seat in 2027. Governor Mai Mala Buni's involvement in the posters, as seen on the promotional materials, also warrants scrutiny. Bukarti's non-membership in the APC is a significant hurdle, but his influence and exposure could still pose a challenge to other aspirants. The fact that Karasuwa Local Government Area has not produced a governor or deputy governor since 1999 adds to the intrigue. As the 2027 general elections draw near, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold.
